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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
The Arthurian Legends: An Illustrated Anthology Selections and Introduction by Richard Barber. This collection contains pieces of Arthurian Legend. It only takes portions of the full story but they are perfect selections. It starts with introducing the Welsh traditions and moves into the account of Geoffrey of Monmouth, The History of the Kings of Britain. He wrote this account as a true account but it is one of the first medieval fictions that will go down in history. Then there is the tale of Culhwch and Olwen which is a Welsh tale. There are several other tales from different authors. For instance, The Lay of Sir Launfal by Marie de France, and Yvain or the Knight with the Lion by Chretien de Troyes. Then of course there are the more popular titles like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Tristan, and Parzival when he learns of the Grail.
Some of my favorites from this edition are Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain. My absolutely favorite aspect in this edition is the addition of beautiful illustrations. Most of the illustrations are Medieval artwork. If there is one thing that I could add to this book, it is the Middle English language. I love learning about the Middle English language. I have a Chaucer book that had the Middle English on one side and the translation on the other. When I was in college I had to learn how to pronounce some of the language and have been fascinated with it ever since.
Anyway, I love this edition. 5 out of 5 stars.
Some of my favorites from this edition are Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain. My absolutely favorite aspect in this edition is the addition of beautiful illustrations. Most of the illustrations are Medieval artwork. If there is one thing that I could add to this book, it is the Middle English language. I love learning about the Middle English language. I have a Chaucer book that had the Middle English on one side and the translation on the other. When I was in college I had to learn how to pronounce some of the language and have been fascinated with it ever since.
Anyway, I love this edition. 5 out of 5 stars.
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart is the first book in the Arthurian Saga. As you all know my summer reading list theme this year is Arthurian Legend, so I was definitely excited to begin this story. This story goes to the beginning…with Merlin. Or should I say who we know as Merlin. Myrddn Emrys is born to a Welsh Princess. She refuses to name his father, which leads to dangerous situations with his Uncle and other important leaders. But he also begins to have visions. He is soon trained by a local hermit named Galapas. However, his destiny takes him away from home and along a path that would put him at the center of war and politics.
I see why this book is such a classic! I love that we get the beginning story of Merlin, one of the most famous characters in history. It is also clever to see how the legend of him being the son of the devil came to pass. He does get arrogant pretty quickly, and even his mother warns him of that, so I wonder if that will come to play further on in the series. I love seeing famous characters such as Vortigern and Uther.
The description is phenomenal…very much along the same lines of Tolkien. Trees and surrounding nature are given great care in the description. The relationships are also given so many emotional ties. Specifically the relationship with his servant, mother, and father. The only issue I really had is how death is treated. Major characters die and it is almost nonchalant. The deaths are sudden and I feel like I didn’t get closure, let alone Merlin.
However, I am addicted. I cannot wait to jump into book two, The Hollow Hills. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I see why this book is such a classic! I love that we get the beginning story of Merlin, one of the most famous characters in history. It is also clever to see how the legend of him being the son of the devil came to pass. He does get arrogant pretty quickly, and even his mother warns him of that, so I wonder if that will come to play further on in the series. I love seeing famous characters such as Vortigern and Uther.
The description is phenomenal…very much along the same lines of Tolkien. Trees and surrounding nature are given great care in the description. The relationships are also given so many emotional ties. Specifically the relationship with his servant, mother, and father. The only issue I really had is how death is treated. Major characters die and it is almost nonchalant. The deaths are sudden and I feel like I didn’t get closure, let alone Merlin.
However, I am addicted. I cannot wait to jump into book two, The Hollow Hills. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley, Rachel Howzell Hall, and Forge Books for the opportunity to read this book!
I had the opportunity to meet Rachel Howzell Hall over a year ago at the LA Times Festival of Books. I was so excited when I received her ARC copy of And Now She’s Gone! Grayson Sykes finally gets a chance to take on a real case as a private investigator. Isabel Lincoln has been reported missing by her boyfriend. Well, her ex-boyfriend. As she investigates, it is obvious that this is a troubled relationship and her boyfriend is to blame. But is it that simple? Grayson knows first hand that it is never that simple. In fact, her old life is stalking her every move. Can she solve this mystery and protect herself?
Now, THIS is a good thriller! I never knew which way the plot was headed. The plot is wonderfully twisty. Every twist slowly picks away at the facade and exposes the truth. These women are bold, beautiful, smart, and so dangerous. I would not want to cross paths with either one. Actually, I would love to be friends with Grayson, but I would not want to be her enemy.
One thing that made this book more special is how it takes place where I live…Southern California. In fact, one of the scenes takes them up to Idylwild where my family and I are moving to! The references made it all that much more fascinating. Also, no one can go wrong with adding In N’ Out references. NO ONE.
Be prepared this book is gritty, detailed, and contains domestic abuse, violence, and pregnancy loss.
I really recommend this book! I stayed up until 130 am finishing it because I could not put it down. I really can’t wait to read more by this author! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to pick up this book tomorrow-September 22nd!
I had the opportunity to meet Rachel Howzell Hall over a year ago at the LA Times Festival of Books. I was so excited when I received her ARC copy of And Now She’s Gone! Grayson Sykes finally gets a chance to take on a real case as a private investigator. Isabel Lincoln has been reported missing by her boyfriend. Well, her ex-boyfriend. As she investigates, it is obvious that this is a troubled relationship and her boyfriend is to blame. But is it that simple? Grayson knows first hand that it is never that simple. In fact, her old life is stalking her every move. Can she solve this mystery and protect herself?
Now, THIS is a good thriller! I never knew which way the plot was headed. The plot is wonderfully twisty. Every twist slowly picks away at the facade and exposes the truth. These women are bold, beautiful, smart, and so dangerous. I would not want to cross paths with either one. Actually, I would love to be friends with Grayson, but I would not want to be her enemy.
One thing that made this book more special is how it takes place where I live…Southern California. In fact, one of the scenes takes them up to Idylwild where my family and I are moving to! The references made it all that much more fascinating. Also, no one can go wrong with adding In N’ Out references. NO ONE.
Be prepared this book is gritty, detailed, and contains domestic abuse, violence, and pregnancy loss.
I really recommend this book! I stayed up until 130 am finishing it because I could not put it down. I really can’t wait to read more by this author! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to pick up this book tomorrow-September 22nd!
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward has been on my TBR for a couple of years now. It was one of those books that I desperately wanted to read but that is the problem with TBR lists…books can sometimes get lost. Well, lost no more. This book is about family, class, and race in the South with a little magical realism intertwined. Jojo is a young boy who lives with his grandfather named Pop, his grandmother named Mam, and his little sister named Kayla. He takes care of Kayla, almost as if he is her parent. His mom, Leonie is a drug addict whose sole focus is Michael. Michael is Jojo and Kayla’s father but he is in prison. But now he is getting out. Leonie takes the kids to go get him. On the way home, a boy not that much older than Jojo appears, but only Jojo can see him. He is Richie and he knew Jojo’s grandfather from when they were in prison. The journey back is dangerous and exposes many secrets long hidden.
My heart…I finished this book approximately 6 hours ago and I am still reeling. Normally, I can pick up another book and dive right in. Not so after this book. I will need some time before I jump into another story. I can’t even begin to cover how many themes this book tackles in less than 300 pages. There is a reason why this book is a National Book Award winner. First, there is Jojo. Sweet, Jojo. I just wanted to pick him up and tell him he is loved. He is already pretty knowledgeable about the world but grows even more. Leonie is so complex. I actually loved her chapters because it shows her internal struggle with actually wanting to be a good mom and her obsession with Michael. Then there is Richie. This is the most heartbreaking part of the story. I am warning you now. Be prepared. There are descriptions of lynchings and it is brutal. But it exposes real fears that still exist to this day. Lynchings aren’t something that happens in the past. Here we are, in 2020, and still seeing it happen. I listened to this book during the week that Jacob Blake was shot. I can tell you this really had an effect on my emotions. For my fellow Black friends. I am here for you. I am sending all my love to you during this time.
I really recommend this book. The narrators, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Chris Chalk, and Rutina Wesley are the perfect narrators. They bring so much emotion to the audiobook. Rutina Wesley’s voice is so soothing that I could listen to her all day, every day. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
My heart…I finished this book approximately 6 hours ago and I am still reeling. Normally, I can pick up another book and dive right in. Not so after this book. I will need some time before I jump into another story. I can’t even begin to cover how many themes this book tackles in less than 300 pages. There is a reason why this book is a National Book Award winner. First, there is Jojo. Sweet, Jojo. I just wanted to pick him up and tell him he is loved. He is already pretty knowledgeable about the world but grows even more. Leonie is so complex. I actually loved her chapters because it shows her internal struggle with actually wanting to be a good mom and her obsession with Michael. Then there is Richie. This is the most heartbreaking part of the story. I am warning you now. Be prepared. There are descriptions of lynchings and it is brutal. But it exposes real fears that still exist to this day. Lynchings aren’t something that happens in the past. Here we are, in 2020, and still seeing it happen. I listened to this book during the week that Jacob Blake was shot. I can tell you this really had an effect on my emotions. For my fellow Black friends. I am here for you. I am sending all my love to you during this time.
I really recommend this book. The narrators, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Chris Chalk, and Rutina Wesley are the perfect narrators. They bring so much emotion to the audiobook. Rutina Wesley’s voice is so soothing that I could listen to her all day, every day. This book deserves more than 5 stars.
I have been practicing yoga for almost 6 years. I love how it has become a part of my daily routine. Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson is one of those books that I think is such a wonderful resource. The book breaks down the human anatomy. It is filled with detailed pictures showing how yoga impacts the different systems of the body. It is amazing how the different poses along with the proper breath can affect the body. Yoga can help lower blood pressure, improve brain function and help manage stress.
The pictures are so amazing and detailed. It shows how important it is to be in each yoga position correctly to get the most out of each pose and avoid injury.
The author is also a mind-body science educator. Her background is a Masters in Yoga Therapy. So she is obviously well versed in the knowledge of the human anatomy and of yoga.
The only downfall of the book is that I don’t suggest reading this book on a reading app or device. The best way to read this book is if you have a physical copy. It was hard to load the book onto my reading devices and zoom in to see all the detail. However, I felt all the information is so critical to helping one’s yoga practice. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you, NetGalley and DK Publishing for a copy of the book!
The pictures are so amazing and detailed. It shows how important it is to be in each yoga position correctly to get the most out of each pose and avoid injury.
The author is also a mind-body science educator. Her background is a Masters in Yoga Therapy. So she is obviously well versed in the knowledge of the human anatomy and of yoga.
The only downfall of the book is that I don’t suggest reading this book on a reading app or device. The best way to read this book is if you have a physical copy. It was hard to load the book onto my reading devices and zoom in to see all the detail. However, I felt all the information is so critical to helping one’s yoga practice. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you, NetGalley and DK Publishing for a copy of the book!
The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart is the 2nd book in the Arthurian Saga and it picks up right where The Crystal Cave left off. Igraine and Uther are feeling the guilt from their actions. Uther makes a major decision. The child Igraine carries will not be his heir. So Merlin decides to take charge of the child’s upbringing. Immediately after the child is born, he is named Arthur, and Merlin whisks the boy away to be raised by a man named Count Ector. However, he sees a sword in his dream, a sword that would be an important part of Arthur’s destiny.
This is another wonderful installment in the Arthurian Saga! I do love the authors’ writing. The whole book could be quoted. She has such skill at conveying emotion and beauty in the world.
“Every life has death and every light has shadow. Be content to stand in the light and let the shadow fall where it will.”
THE HOLLOW HILLS
However, there is a lot less action in this book than in the first book, which is fine, but this book is a lot slower in pace. It is all predictable but it sticks closely with the source material. Also…dare I say…I don’t like Merlin. I know, I know. He is just so pompous. I know he is MERLIN, but his whole attitude isn’t very likable to me. At least in this book, he may develop more as the series continues. —At least I hope he does. I am not going to dive into book three and hope for a little more action and a more admirable Merlin. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
This is another wonderful installment in the Arthurian Saga! I do love the authors’ writing. The whole book could be quoted. She has such skill at conveying emotion and beauty in the world.
“Every life has death and every light has shadow. Be content to stand in the light and let the shadow fall where it will.”
THE HOLLOW HILLS
However, there is a lot less action in this book than in the first book, which is fine, but this book is a lot slower in pace. It is all predictable but it sticks closely with the source material. Also…dare I say…I don’t like Merlin. I know, I know. He is just so pompous. I know he is MERLIN, but his whole attitude isn’t very likable to me. At least in this book, he may develop more as the series continues. —At least I hope he does. I am not going to dive into book three and hope for a little more action and a more admirable Merlin. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Jane Igharo for the opportunity to read this book!
Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo started off as a cover request. I mean, come on, just look at this stunning cover! No one could pass on it. Well, there is an added bonus…the story is also stunning. Azere moved to Canada from Nigeria at the age of 12. Before her father died, she promised him that she would marry a Nigerian man to preserve her culture. She has always been a good daughter, but she is getting a little tired of the constant line of dates that her mother is setting her up with. One night, after a particularly disastrous interview date, she meets a man at the bar. Rafael is in town for a job interview and he is captivated by Azere. After a night of passion, Azere is determined to put it behind her and focus on pleasing her mother. That is until Rafael is the new hire at her work…
I read this book in ONE night. I laughed, I cried, and I swooned. I was completely captured by this story from page one. Azere is intelligent and gorgeous inside and out. I love her devotion to her family and culture and also the devotion to herself. She is determined to be the best in her career and also follows her heart.
“The truth, my village was far from being a metropolis. Sure. It was quiet, rural, and simple. But our ancient customs and the simplicity of our lifestyle didn’t make us uncivilized. We were a community of teachers and doctors and farmers and vivacious marketwomen whose sharp wits and quick tongues could easily rival many university graduates. My mother was one of these women.”
TIES THAT TETHER
The most painful and yet beautiful part of this book is the mother/daughter relationship. There is one scene where Azere misses her mom so fiercely that it made me cry. Mother/Daughter relationships are so complicated as it is, but theirs is so much deeper. It is not just about the love for each other but preserving a part of themselves that the white world often tries to erase. This puts such a heavy burden on both Azere and her mother. I cannot recommend this book enough. It hits shelves on September 29th so be sure to grab your copy! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo started off as a cover request. I mean, come on, just look at this stunning cover! No one could pass on it. Well, there is an added bonus…the story is also stunning. Azere moved to Canada from Nigeria at the age of 12. Before her father died, she promised him that she would marry a Nigerian man to preserve her culture. She has always been a good daughter, but she is getting a little tired of the constant line of dates that her mother is setting her up with. One night, after a particularly disastrous interview date, she meets a man at the bar. Rafael is in town for a job interview and he is captivated by Azere. After a night of passion, Azere is determined to put it behind her and focus on pleasing her mother. That is until Rafael is the new hire at her work…
I read this book in ONE night. I laughed, I cried, and I swooned. I was completely captured by this story from page one. Azere is intelligent and gorgeous inside and out. I love her devotion to her family and culture and also the devotion to herself. She is determined to be the best in her career and also follows her heart.
“The truth, my village was far from being a metropolis. Sure. It was quiet, rural, and simple. But our ancient customs and the simplicity of our lifestyle didn’t make us uncivilized. We were a community of teachers and doctors and farmers and vivacious marketwomen whose sharp wits and quick tongues could easily rival many university graduates. My mother was one of these women.”
TIES THAT TETHER
The most painful and yet beautiful part of this book is the mother/daughter relationship. There is one scene where Azere misses her mom so fiercely that it made me cry. Mother/Daughter relationships are so complicated as it is, but theirs is so much deeper. It is not just about the love for each other but preserving a part of themselves that the white world often tries to erase. This puts such a heavy burden on both Azere and her mother. I cannot recommend this book enough. It hits shelves on September 29th so be sure to grab your copy! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
I currently have 5 audiobooks on hold, just waiting for the people before me to hurry up and finish. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is an impulse listen for me. I saw the cover and saw that it was about witches and I was in. Louise Le Blanc is on the run from her coven. Her mother is searching for her and it would certainly mean her death if she were to ever find her. Reid Diggory is a witch hunter called a Chasseur that is sworn to the Church. Weird circumstances bring them together but not in the way they would expect. They are forced to marry. Reid does not know Louisa is a witch but it is only a matter of time before he finds out…
So I don’t normally read from the Young Adult genre. I do love some YA books, but I am VERY picky about them. But I do love fantasy and anything about witches. The characters are witty and stubborn. I enjoyed Lou and Reid’s banter. There were some moments of conversation that were a little awkward but I was able to power through it. My favorite character is Ansel. He is just so pure. He is treated as an underdog. But out of all the characters, he is the wisest and the most caring. I love how he and Lou have a wonderful friendship that doesn’t lead to love. We don’t get enough of those kinds of relationships. It felt like Merlin and Guinevere in BBC’s Merlin. Except Lou curses a lot more. —By the way, there is a ton of cussing and I am here for it. But I know some people might not be a fan. There are some steamy scenes as well, which I thought were well-written.
I love how the end of the book hints at the plot for the second book but all the main plotlines are wrapped up in this book. Cliffhangers that don’t resolve the main plotlines are a pet peeve of mine but this book ended perfectly.
The narrators for this book are Holter Graham and Saskia Maarleveld are utterly fantastic. The fave wonderful accents and displayed a wonderful range of emotions throughout the book. Overall, this book gets 4 out of 5 stars.
So I don’t normally read from the Young Adult genre. I do love some YA books, but I am VERY picky about them. But I do love fantasy and anything about witches. The characters are witty and stubborn. I enjoyed Lou and Reid’s banter. There were some moments of conversation that were a little awkward but I was able to power through it. My favorite character is Ansel. He is just so pure. He is treated as an underdog. But out of all the characters, he is the wisest and the most caring. I love how he and Lou have a wonderful friendship that doesn’t lead to love. We don’t get enough of those kinds of relationships. It felt like Merlin and Guinevere in BBC’s Merlin. Except Lou curses a lot more. —By the way, there is a ton of cussing and I am here for it. But I know some people might not be a fan. There are some steamy scenes as well, which I thought were well-written.
I love how the end of the book hints at the plot for the second book but all the main plotlines are wrapped up in this book. Cliffhangers that don’t resolve the main plotlines are a pet peeve of mine but this book ended perfectly.
The narrators for this book are Holter Graham and Saskia Maarleveld are utterly fantastic. The fave wonderful accents and displayed a wonderful range of emotions throughout the book. Overall, this book gets 4 out of 5 stars.
"Politics aside, this novella's theme of trust is universally relatable."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/october/viewer/desktop/#page/70
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/october/viewer/desktop/#page/70
"This clean historical romance will have readers dabbing the tears in their eyes..."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/october/viewer/desktop/#page/58
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/october/viewer/desktop/#page/58